Time to plan for FLU season

2009-09-25T10:09:32

Dear Fellow Employees, As you are all too aware, autumn begins today! While it is many people’s favorite time of year, it is also the primary time to plan for FLU season. Certainly this is not one of our favorite things to think about. Of course, preventing seasonal flu is task number one for all of us, particularly because we come into contact with so many people each day. We need to be extra cautious. The PA Department of Health reminds us to increase hand washing; carry and use hand sanitizers whenever you can’t wash with soap and water; sneeze into a tissue and dispose of it immediately or sneeze into your elbow and stay home if you are ill, especially if you have a fever. Prevention also involves getting the seasonal flu vaccine. SPIN WILL NOT BE PROVIDING FLU SHOTS ON SITE THIS YEAR. However, your primary care physician has supplies now and this will only cost you the price of your co-pay for a doctor’s visit. Many pharmacies also offer flu shots if this is more convenient for you. It is important to get vaccinated now! I got mine yesterday. As a healthcare worker, you MAY be eligible for the H1N1 vaccine which will be available soon. You will need to discuss this with your physician. We will keep you updated as soon as we understand the CDC’s definition of healthcare worker. If you are a parent of children between six months of age and 24 years, make sure they are vaccinated against H1N1 as well as seasonal flu. This will help to protect you and your family and coworkers who may not be eligible for the vaccine. Also eligible for H1N1 vaccination are pregnant women, EMS personnel and adults under 65 years with underlying health conditions. The federal government will provide H1N1 vaccine for free. We will inform you of vaccination locations as soon as we have that information. It will take all of us being careful and vigilant to maintain our health, the good health of the people we support and the health of our family and friends during the FLU season. Please do your part. Thanks and take care. Trina Losinno Executive Director